Chapter 3 Greetings

Major General Jack O'Neill was at Stargate Command waiting for Lady Anna to arrive from off world. He had returned earlier that day from his three-month assignment in the Commonwealth. His day had been busy. Jack completed his physical examination with Dr. Lam the new Chief Medical Officer. The results showed he was in better shape than before he left. Commonwealth doctors healed his knees and his back. Then Jack spent lunch wallowing in Earth food. With his Blackberry in hand, he stuffed himself with pizza, burritos, salsa, salad, and cake. He even had time to pick up his email over coffee. Fortunately, his regular correspondence was permitted while he was assigned to his duties in the Commonwealth. So, he only had a dozen new emails to read. Jack dreaded picking up his personal voicemail. But it was not so bad, and he cleared those out as well. The world had not come to an end because of his absence. Now, he was ready, but not very happy, to receive this visitor. She was a real pain in the mikta.

General Landry briefed O'Neill on the progress made on installing Lady Anna's gifts. Lady Anna had promised O'Neill that her people wanted to help Earth advance. Four days ago, the Lady arrived with Jack for quick visit. Among multiple gifts, she brought Commonwealth force field technology to protect the Gate room and the mountain. She gave a bio filter to fit across the Gate to protect Earth from alien spores, germs, and other contaminants. In addition, she gave them five mobile medical units to upgrade the SGC's medical capabilities and provide state of the art medical care on other bases, such as the Alpha Site. And she gave them a ZPM. Ostensibly, these gifts were to show appreciation for General O'Neill's efforts to help the Commonwealth defend itself. But Lady Anna used the visit as an excuse to contact President Hayes and present her case for an extended stay. She asked him if he would accept her as the Commonwealth's Special Ambassador in charge of Earth Development. While the Lady agreed to exchange advanced knowledge, President Hayes agreed to host her while her political problems were sorted out at home. The President ordered Jack be the one to deal with the Lady. Like everyone else, the President was impressed with the generosity of the gifts. By every indication, helping her helped Earth.

"Unscheduled off-world activation," announced Chief Master Sgt. Harriman. The grey haired non-com made sure the Iris covering the Stargate was closed. Alarms sounded. SF's ran to the Gate room with gun bolts slamming. "Force field activated, sir," the diminutive sergeant informed General Landry as he walked up to the console.

"Who's calling?" Landry inquired less than patiently. This little guy was too good at his job Landry thought. I'll never get to yell at him.

"It's Colonel Pierce's IDC from the Alpha Site." Chief Master Sergeant Harriman had risen in the ranks from mere technician to perform sensitive duties as General Landry's aide. He was as high as any non-commissioned officer could ever get without becoming a commissioned officer. Everyone with a lick of sense knew the military was really run by these guys. "Message coming through, sir, on screen now."

Colonel Pierce's face came on the monitor. He addressed General Landry. "We have the 'package,' sir. Awaiting your orders. And we have some important new information."

"Call General O'Neill to the Gate room, Sergeant."

Chief Master Sgt. Harriman paged General O'Neill. Landry knew that by using the word 'package' Colonel Pierce was telling him all was in order and no alien incursion forced him to activate the wormhole. Had he said anything else, nothing would make Landry open the Iris. The code word changed on a deliberately irregular timetable and more often as needed. In this case, the General wanted to be certain the Lady was not bringing an army with her or worse was compromised herself.

"What have you got for us, Colonel? The reception committee is forming up now. Ah, here he is." Jack loped into the Gate room and looked up to the control room. He nodded to Landry.

"Sirs, we need to know that anti-surveillance is activated. We need to be certain that General O'Neill and the rest of his team have destroyed any articles of clothing they acquired during their stay abroad. Please make sure they use zats." The zat was a Goa'uld personal energy weapon like a side arm with a twist. One shot stunned the victim. Two shots killed. And three shots disintegrated. Colonel Pierce knew this operation required the strictest security.

Dealing with the advanced humans of the Star Commonwealth of Planets meant re-thinking what surveillance could be. After all, they had been able to determine from high orbit that the SGC was compromised by other aliens and by Earth-based powers as well. To assure their own security, the Commonwealth destroyed the alien transmission relays spread throughout the solar system. To show their good will and appreciation for Jack O'Neill's efforts on their behalf, the Commonwealth gave anti-surveillance equipment for use at many strategic Earth sites. As a result of these gifts by Earth's new allies, the SGC was the most secure facility on the planet.

But it was also a certainty Earth had not been told everything. Upon her arrival at the Alpha Site, Lady Anna informed Colonel Pierce that clothing fibers could act as transmitters and recording devices. Considering the extreme danger, she disclosed this secret of her own surveillance techniques. Security had to be tight around Lady Anna. Assassins were after her. The Lady changed into clothing she sent ahead on her last visit to Stargate Command four days ago. Then she watched an SF use a zat three times on her discarded apparel. By the terms of her agreement with the President, Lady Anna's security was a direct matter of concern to Earth.

"Jack, we have reason to believe your clothing is bugged. You have to change and destroy it. Shoes too." Jack threw his hands up and walked away to change. Landry turned to the little Sergeant and told him to inform all persons who had contact with the Commonwealth to do the same. "Just a few minutes, Colonel. They went to change."

Jack left the room to change and destroy the BDU's he had worn during his stay in the Commonwealth and his dress uniforms. On his way back to the VIP room he was using, Jack ran into Daniel. "Whoa there Danny! Heads up. We have to destroy all things we wore or were given back on the ship. Seems they bugged the fabric. Shoes, too." Jack frowned and pointed down. "I had just broken these in. Aw crap." Jack smirked and walked off. "The fun never stops with her."

Daniel stared after him and then started off to change too. Then he remembered to call Sam. But it was too late. She was already airborne. So Daniel told Landry he missed her. A call was placed to the plane on an urgent priority. A few minutes later Jack and Daniel were back in fresh BDU's and new shoes from the base quartermaster.

"Mr. Secretary, are you ready?" General Landry walked the dignitary down from the control room. They stood before the Stargate. His guest nodded. "Ok, send her through."

Even considering these people were primitive, this reception was pitiful, thought Lady Anna. The Lady appeared through the Stargate with a retinue of only five people as agreed beforehand. Her attendants managed the many floating containers of luggage. Her retainers consisted of one older woman, two young women, and two young men. Her Ambassador would provide other assistance as needed. Lady Anna surveyed the scene. Three Earth officers stood before her. O'Neill wore his attitude outwardly and did not wear his dress uniform. Some man in one of those non-descript Earth suits stood next to the general named Landry and gaped at her insolently. The other officer, Reynolds, was present in sloppy attire and assessed her ladies with a practiced eye. And numerous men pointed silly primitive weapons at her. Dr. Jackson was present and offered her a bow. The rest of the men barely offered her that courtesy and nothing as a present, not even flowers. But, the Lady was a consummate diplomat and politician. She was on their territory now. Allowances had to be made. Perhaps the natives were too poor and too ignorant to offer a proper greeting.

Lady Anna kept a smile on her face and graciously acknowledged the presence of the two Generals. "Greetings my lords. On behalf of my sovereign, His Majesty King David, my Family Clan, and myself, we thank you for this opportunity to bring greater understanding between our two great peoples. We are grateful for this opportunity to work with your sovereign, the President of the United States, Henry Hayes. We hope that all our efforts will prove fruitful and encourage further exchanges between us."

Lady Anna waited for the armed men to lower their weapons. They didn't. This insult was amazing. At the Alpha Site, Colonel Pierce made her guards yield their weapons. He checked that she was not armed. She was, but he could not determine it with his methods. As far as they knew, she was no threat to them. She had some other devices, but they would only protect her passively. Additionally, she had her communications gear, which should be undetectable as well. Anna left nothing to chance. She kept her expression congenial to show only what she wanted others to see. To help the situation along, she beamed her best smile at the two Generals.

"Welcome to Earth, Lady Anna. We look forward to the opportunity to exchange our knowledge and culture." General Landry indicated the man to his right. "Ma'am, this is Mr. Peter Soames, Secretary of State, our foreign minister. He is here to represent the President." Soames nodded to her. "You know Dr. Jackson and Colonel Reynolds, and of course General O'Neill." The three officers gave her a head nod. Screw the bows.

"Hank, allow me, please." O'Neill walked up to the force field. He looked her over and knew she was up to something. "Ma'am, I have to ask you to relinquish all your weapons and other…toys you may have with you." He stuck his hands in his pockets and cocked his head to one side, waiting. "Or you can stand there all day." Jack observed her non-reaction reaction. "C'mon, I know about some of that stuff. Colonel Carter briefed me about some of your advanced technology. I can't let you in front of the President if you are armed. Let's have it. All of it."

"My Lord General, I have been invited by your sovereign, the President." Lady Anna smiled and paused to see reactions. No invited visiting dignitary would be treated like this. It was absurd. What did O'Neill think he was doing?

The Secretary of State had welcomed many dignitaries who brought their own security personnel, all armed. Why was O'Neill so concerned that he would boldly challenge an invited guest? Well she IS an alien, he must know something I don't, but still...

"What protection does your sovereign offer me?"

Poker played by experts is a game of skill more than chance. The suited man was about to reply when O'Neill gave him a look that said stay out of it.

"Well, ma'am, that would depend." Jack studied her. Oh she was busy fishing for something. "See, we are still unsure what kind of protection we might need, from you."

"My Lord General, you are indeed the great warrior your legend proclaims." She hesitated to view reactions around her. The Secretary of State was aghast. Treating me like this is an unimaginable insult. What was O'Neill trying to prove? It make no sense. "Are you suggesting that I, the Ambassador of my people would harm your sovereign? Or yourself, perhaps?"

Daniel could not let Jack continue this course. The Secretary of State was also getting angry at him. "Of course not, ma'am. You have graciously permitted us in your presence many times without guards and allowed us to carry weapons in your presence. Isn't that right, Jack?"

"Daniel, stay out of this." Jack used his command voice. "Ma'am, I must insist. Relinquish all your weapons. Or you go no farther."

The others sucked in their breaths. O'Neill must know something terrible to act this way. What was this alien up to? She didn't look like a mad bomber, so what was the problem?

"If I comply, I ask that no one here but you witness what I shall remove and give into your care."

Jack had raised the ante but she raised him back. The Lady kept eye contact only with O'Neill, but in her peripheral vision, she noticed the foreign minister react with shock and surprise. Interesting. That one could not mask his emotions. O'Neill had still not answered. So, she stood there patiently. He looked at her while she looked at him. No one moved or spoke.

"Okay. They stay here." O'Neill indicated her staff. "You come with me and strip." Heads swung around at him. Her entourage gasped. The man in the suit was about to protest. Daniel's jaw dropped. But Jack held up his right forefinger and said to him, "Ack. Ack," making it plain no protests would be tolerated.

Actually, she was amused, but she showed nothing. He would never find it all. And the worse he treated her, the better the treatment she would receive from the President when he made amends.

"Or you can just turn around and leave." He smiled back at her. How was that for a raise, you impossible woman, Jack thought to himself. You are up to something big time, but I'll figure it out.

Wonderful, thought Lady Anna. He just walked into a trap. It was so simple to push a man in the right direction, especially this one. So she smiled sadly and answered softly. "You would assault me…again? Is this how I can expect to be treated here?"

She looked at the man in the suit. Anna checked his raise. Jack did not move. The man in the suit was obviously appalled. The other men were restless but deferred to O'Neill. Interesting. I have raised his prestige and power, good. Maybe we can get some things accomplished after all.

"Again? What is she talking about, General O'Neill?" The Secretary looked at this small, frail lady and could not imagine what she could do to harm anyone, let alone provoke O'Neill into hurting her.

"A misunderstanding. That's all, sir." Jack looked back at Anna. "Ma'am. I am not joking. If you want our protection, you must disarm. Then we can talk about your security arrangements."

"In the interest of diplomacy," Anna paused for effect. The Lady saw her opening and took it. "I shall submit myself to your care if you will grant me your professional and personal protection; even as I gave you mine among my people."

She needed military protection and knew he was the best for Special Operations. More to the point, he was not compromised by her opposition. All eyes went back to O'Neill. Obviously, more was going on here than they knew. But what it was could only be guessed. Jack did not respond. Anna shrugged, feigning indifference.

"If I have no way to protect myself here, then you must assume the responsibility. I trust only your own honored self with my life and the future of our kingdom's succession." There, she really pushed a heap of chips in the pot to raise him again. She raised her eyes to his and kept them wide. He was drowning in them. The trap was sprung.

Jack considered her words. "Meaning we are back to where you go, I go. But if you don't go, I don't go?" She had such an effect on him. He saw her many sides, gentle and vulnerable while also being shrewd and manipulating. But after three months, he could usually get past her act.

"To borrow your own phrase, togetherness cuts both ways, My Lord General." Anna's eyes danced with amusement. Then she switched all at once. "But yes, we shall go together, not for our own honor but to do the right thing for our people according to God's laws. And for this, the enemy will be delivered into the hands of a woman." Her presence filled the room.

The other men listening were worried. Something about these words struck Daniel as familiar. He could not place it. General Landry knew she was going somewhere with this. And Jack was walking right into it.

The Secretary of State looked at her anew. No one prepared him for the gravitas of her personality. She had the presence of a Maggie Thatcher, known as the Iron Lady. No make that a Catherine the Great of Russia, the first Queen Elizabeth, and a host of other powerful women politicians. By appearance, she was only a very young, and very beautiful woman, except for the ancient eyes. The Secretary of State wondered just how old she really was to be able to pull off an effect like this. And, he realized this exchange would determine the future of the planet. O'Neill was pulling the tail of the tiger.

Daniel decided to diffuse the tension. Jack wasn't rushing to agree. "Ma'am, perhaps you would allow Jack to use your devices? If, of course, he needs them to protect you?"

Anna shrugged and nodded. Of course he would use her devices. Theirs were a joke. She watched Jack think it over. The offer was consistent with the President's orders to deal with her. He decided to raise her.

"If I agree no arguments. I'm in charge." Jack caught a glance from the Secretary of State. Soames was ok with this. Anna saw it too. She shrugged again. "I mean it." Jack pushed her a little more. Finally, I might get the upper hand here, he thought. She's on my turf. I see through her.

Anna took her time to consider his demand. It would not do to appear too eager. This situation was better than she had dared to hope. Having the greatest living military hero as your champion was the best possible scenario. With assassins nipping at her heals, she had a big dog for protection. Heck with the insult. The President would pay dearly for it later.

"If you agree to provide your protection, I shall be content to follow your lead, sir." Anna checked his raise and waited quietly. The man in the suit was listening intently but stood ready to object.

Interesting. Landry was clearly surprised at the suited man. He expected the man to say something. That official was a player. General O'Neill would not entertain her request if the suited man did not have the authority to agree. Very interesting. But the insult here was monstrous. What could Jack be thinking to do this so publicly? Was there some opposition to her presence here that he was pandering to?

Jack thought about his response. His regular Friday night poker game kept his instincts sharp. It was a game he understood. The hands were equal.

She is in a tough position and really wants my help. After all, she just declared it to everyone listening and offered advanced knowledge and technology, to boot. Ok, I just found out for sure her odds must be better here. Why? She must think that if she left she would risk her neck with less competent people and a more difficult situation. But, if she left, then Earth would not get all the extra attention, high level influence, and accelerated advancement that hosting her would assure. Not to mention the fact that a really powerful leader would owe us one. But if the assassins killed her here, all bets are off. The downside of letting her get killed here is unknown. I have to find out the downside. The President wants to know and he's right. Maybe Lady Anna and I could split this pot. Poker is such an interesting game.

"You agree to follow my lead?" Jack was suspicious. She was such a control freak. An extremely beautiful control freak would be a better description. Anna nodded her agreement. "We stick together until this is resolved to our mutual satisfaction or you leave by your own decision." Jack wanted to be certain there was an out. "For how long are we agreeing to this situation? Weeks, months, years, how long?" Jack remembered that time did not mean the same thing to these long-lived humans. When you could live for two or three hundred years, what did a few years mean?

"It could be a year, more or less."

Now why would he ask me this question here and now? My ambassador should have settled this question for the President before I arrived. In fact, my ambassador should have arranged a much better greeting than this abomination. I represent a people six times the population of this entire planet and this is the best these barbarians could do to welcome me? Unbelievable. They must think I am really out of power. Fools.

Jack grimaced. Then, Lady Anna realized the problem with the qualification about leaving.

"As for leaving, it is possible My Lord General that we might need to travel off-world, although I do not anticipate it at this moment. If it becomes necessary for my protection, then you are still obligated." Anna wanted to be sure that there was someplace to run if things got out of control. "Also, it is possible that your own duties to your people might require you to travel off-world. I expect to accompany you without prejudice." She considered her request and added, " I want to know you will honor the spirit not just the letter of our agreement."

"And just what are you offering in return, so I am clear?" Jack decided this was an opportunity to land some more fancy equipment quickly. "And feel free to be specific."

"Specific? How can I know what could be accomplished here before I begin?" Then she saw his frown. "Of course, I do have some suggestions for the near term. But, standing here where everyone can hear is not a good idea." Jack turned to walk away. "Of course, we could discuss it privately, while I am relinquishing my personal protective devices." Jack turned back to listen. "If you are satisfied, fine. If not, then I shall leave, with my devices." Hooked him.

Jack shot a look over at the Secretary of State. Soames nodded. "Lower the force field." Jack ordered. He held out his hand. "Welcome to Earth, Lady Anna." She stepped off the ramp. Anna put both hands in his and smiled sweetly. Why not? She just got everything she wanted.


Not everyone else got what they wanted. President Mikhailov of the Russian Federation placed a call to President Henry Hayes. Sometimes, the players at the top just had to speak directly. President Mikhailov could speak passably good English. Nevertheless, he used a translator and corrected, as he needed. The gist of the conversation was to inform the United States that hosting such a powerful alien leader was something to be shared. The subtext of the conversation indicated that leaks still existed from old-fashioned spying and good detective work. But truth is stranger than fiction. There was a Goa'uld spy in the ranks of the Russian military. Even though Lady Anna eradicated the Goa'uld on Earth three months ago, others had arrived courtesy of Ba'al.

After the phone call, President Hayes turned to his Off-world Advisor, retired Lt. General George Hammond. He stood there lost in thought for a moment. Then he made a decision. "George, what's the probability that the Goa'uld are back? It's just a little too convenient that today when the Lady arrived only a few hours ago, the President of Russia knew about it."

"Sir, it could just as easily be someone from her own political opposition making contact with our opposition." Hammond paused and added, "or it could be simple internal spying. We won't know without asking Lady Anna what she can do to help us. If it is the Goa'uld, she will deal with it. We have seen her do it before."

"That's what I don't want her to do. Not the way she did before, George. It has to be handled quietly. I promised President Mikhailov there would not be another public event. It would destabilize him and us. Call the Commonwealth Ambassador and see if they will cooperate. At least we can use some of their fancy equipment to make certain we are not bugged again by anyone else." Hayes walked Hammond to the door. "I'll see you at Camp David after Thanksgiving, George."

"Yes sir. Don't worry. I'll be back Friday afternoon." Hammond turned to leave and to make his calls and get to the Pentagon. "The Daedalus is in orbit. I can use its transporter. Friday, sir."


Carter sat on the transport plane outbound to San Diego. Taking a hop meant uncomfortable seating. Transport planes usually hauled cargo. The benches provided were utilitarian. At least the trip would be short enough. But the jarring on her bones set her to thinking just to block out the discomfort. Something about the last exercise on the Jericho just did not sit right. She leaned back and tried to go through it step by step.

Over the next two hours Carter reviewed Einstein's theory, E equals mc2 as it applied to the Jericho's exercise. According to the equation, the total amount of energy obtainable from an object is equivalent to the mass of the object multiplied by the square of the speed of speed of light.

This equation was crucial in the development of the atomic bomb. By measuring the mass of different atomic nuclei and comparing that number with the mass of the individual protons and neutrons, one can obtain an estimate of the binding energy available within an atomic nuclei. This not only showed that it was possible to release energy by fusion of light nuclei or fission of heavy nuclei, but also to estimate the amount of energy, which can be released.

A kilogram of mass completely converts into 21.48076431 megatons of TNT

Carter knew that conversions of mass to energy are seldom 100 percent efficient. One theoretically perfect conversion would result from a collision of matter and antimatter; for most cases, byproducts are produced instead of energy, and therefore very little mass is actually converted. In the equation, mass is energy, but for the sake of clarity, the word converted is used.

Carter spun her wheels for the rest of the flight with no good answer. She knew in her heart that something else happened. She decided that whatever the Commonwealth used to blow up that planet, it was not a Mark IX naquadah and naquadria enhanced nuke. There just wasn't enough material. In fact, even if the aliens got 100 percent out of their yield, it would take many more than one nuke. Not even a whole pod of missiles could have done it. And it didn't matter whether they were using fission or fusion. She had to call the General once she had a secure com line. The aliens were deceiving everyone.


Walking to the VIP quarters on the base, Jack knew he had been manipulated. None of this made sense. She should have thrown a hissy fit. But she didn't. Why? After Anna entered, Jack shut the door to one of the VIP rooms on the base. Warily, he regarded his charge. The Supreme Military Commander of fantastically advanced human aliens was up to something. Lady Anna said she wanted to stay temporarily until the politics at home worked out in her favor and the assassins after her were caught. In the meantime, she offered to do something nice for Earth. But, Jack did not believe she was just trying to save her own neck. It didn't track.

Jack believed Anna wanted something here. After Apophis torched one of her planets, this woman tried to fight the Goa'uld all by herself with a handful of friends. She led a strike force for the sole purpose of shaming the other leaders to fight. For her troubles, she had already gotten herself killed twice and was revived in a sarcophagus by her troops. Anyone who could go through the Gate barely armed with only a handful of equally untrained and barely armed cohorts was too bold to run from assassins. No, she would turn on them and eat them alive. She must be after something else. Something big.

"Have a seat, ma'am." Jack gestured to the sitting area. "Now, tell me all about what you are going to do for us." He stood over her and waited patiently. One thing he had learned these past three months, she responded well to honey, not vinegar. He had worse ready if she were foolish enough to think he wouldn't know if she lied to him. "The President authorized me to inquire regarding the specific terms you offered him a few days ago."

"Jack, we both know I shall keep my word to you. The President knows this too or he wouldn't have sent more contractors to me or allowed me to come. He and I understand each other well enough on this score. The problem is between us. Jack, I think we have to be careful not to hurt one another in this process. We both know there is nothing I can guarantee until we study the problem. I am here to do that. It is enough for now." Anna spoke quietly. She knew Jack liked straight talk. She told him what he wanted to hear. But she still had to control his emotions. He covered them well, but he had strong feelings. "Jack, please, we don't have to be adversarial about this. Standing over me like that does not intimidate me. I concede you are a very large, very tall, handsome man. Now please sit down." Anna smoothed her skirt while he decided. Very good. He sat.

Jack noticed the compliment. She thought he was handsome. A small corner of his mouth went up, but he regained control.

"Anna, I know you are up to something. And don't repeat to me that you are always up to something."

Jack stretched back to appear at ease. He was never at ease in her presence. The woman was a study in contradictions. She was gorgeous but dangerous. She was ruthless and kind. She had a superior intelligence that suffered no fools, and yet she had a sweet disposition. She was courageous and vulnerable. She could be bloody-minded and diplomatic. He found her fascinating. She was also probably old enough to be his grandmother. Between the genetic manipulations called "Genetic Restoration" and the medical equivalent of plastic surgery, The Lady was a truly lovely woman. She was also tough as nails. She would have to be to rise to this political status.

"We both know you don't care about these would-be assassins. You could eat their lunch. I asked you in here to hear the situation privately. Before we go forward, what's this all about?"

Very good. He did think outside the box. Impressive.

"Jack, you continue to show me why you are a great military man." Anna smiled back at him. "I don't need convincing anymore, you know."

"Anna, cut the crap. What do you want here? Really." Jack wasn't buying into her ploy. "You have enough resources to find these folks and root them out. Then you can go back to your precious military and your little war. I have seen you in action. You live to run that military. You would never leave without a very pressing and urgent reason."

"You are correct, My Lord General. But my internal problems other than their nuisance value to you, have no bearing on our business together." That was about as close to the truth as she could actually say without lying. "I do have internal political problems. And I have been instructed by Nana to become less visible in the government temporarily."

"Didn't you have someplace else to go? I mean you must have a home away from the Capital or on some other planet. Or why not just stay out with the fleet at one of your secret bases?" Daniel had briefed him about her holdings. She owned many estates and properties throughout the Commonwealth. "Certainly security out with the fleet is sufficient."

"Yes, Jack. I have many places to go. But it still does not solve the problem of being out of the public eye. As long as I am there, I shall be blamed for everything. And those who want to stir up trouble will to continue to have a focus." He is well informed for an outsider new to their society. It must be that Dr. Jackson. "Anyway, His Majesty, the King, needs to make a gesture to certain groups to show he is willing to settle matters to everyone's satisfaction. Making me leave, however temporarily, is one such gesture. It will take time to bring the different factions to the negotiations. Many concessions will have to be made. But as I said, these matters are all internal to our society." Now how much of that will satisfy him?

"So why Earth? Why here? There must be other planets with which you have good relations? Or are there?" Jack smelled a rat. "Maybe none of them wanted to host you?"

"No, Jack. We have good relations with other worlds. Some are nearly as advanced as your people, Jack. Some would welcome me. But, I wanted someplace different, someplace new. I have been to all those worlds. I even have reasons to go to a few of them." Anna looked him straight in the eye. "Jack, we are alike in this. We both need a challenge. And we like to see new places and new people. You and I are explorers."

"Oh please. Don't tell me that you would rather sit in a place you call a 'disappointing primitive backwater' than someplace more 'civilized'." Jack got surly with her. "We have something you want. And you want it very badly, ma'am. So you may as well tell me the truth."

"Jack, get this straight once and for all. I mean it. I have never ever lied to you. You just don't listen." Anna knew she was getting under his skin now. His pupils narrowed. His breathing became shallower. His muscle tone tensed. His posture stiffened. How could this man who practiced concealing his feelings not know to control these other telltale signs? "I would appreciate it if you would refrain from calling me a liar to my face."

"Ma'am, there's little difference between lying outright and withholding information in order to mislead me." Jack forced himself to relax. Staying loose kept options open. It also helped to divert the opponent's attention to where they were more vulnerable. "Ok, let's see your toys." He tapped the tabletop. "Put your things there." Jack reached back into a drawer for a pad and pen. He might as well take notes. Lady Anna hesitated, but he tapped the table again. She sighed.

Oh well, I was going to give him a set of most of these anyway. If he is going to defend me, he would need them. But he knows I would give them to him anyway, or does he? Maybe he is afraid I wouldn't? What has gotten into him today? I have to get control of him and quickly. Well, his little crude power play must elevate him somehow in the eyes of his superiors. Let's just get this done. If it really help establish his power, so be it. I need him firmly established for all this to work.

"Do you want the weapons only or everything?" Anna hoped he would not really make her undress. "I am carrying mostly defensive items and communications gear." There, that was straightforward. It should divert his attention away from my motives. "Are we being watched or recorded?" Jack shook his head no. "What do you prefer to see?"

"Everything. I'll decide later what you can keep." Jack was very curious now. "Start from the top." He pointed to her head. Anna reached back to remove her jeweled hair clip that secured her long hair in a neat double roll at her neck. Her tresses fell down past her waist. Jack swallowed and held out his hand for the item. Her thick long hair was chestnut brown with red highlights. It was beautiful. He wanted to touch it. Instead he said, "one hair clip? What does it do?"

"It holds back my hair, Jack." Anna decided to have some fun with this. She laughed a light girl's laugh. "Alright, it also is a multifunctional tool." She held her hand out to take it back. He dropped it in her hand. Anna twisted the latch and pulled back the base. Several small tools fell out.

"Into burglary, Anna? I didn't think breaking and entering was your line." Jack decided to enjoy this too. She shot him a look. "What do these do?"

"They open locks. In fact they open lots of things. Good guess. And they can be used to fix or tamper with Goa'uld equipment." She then unsealed the center red jewel. "This can be used to burn a hole in wood or less dense metals." She unlatched an underpinning and re-attached the jewel. Then she played with it in the light and targeted his pad. It began to smoke and then caught fire. He jumped up for a pitcher of water to put out the blaze. "It also provides an effective diversion." Anna deadpanned the last remark.

"Funny. Don't do that again without warning me." Jack was unnerved but saw the humor. He got himself a towel from the bathroom and another paper pad. "I suppose it could also ignite explosives. Naquadah too?"

"Very good, you are catching on, Jack." She smiled. Anna removed her broach. "This is my personal shield. It is voice activated as well as touch sensitive. Remember the day we spoke to the Mayor and the crowd became unruly?" Jack nodded in remembrance. "You did not understand it at the time, but I used my personal shield to extricate you from an assassination attempt." Jack thought back to wonder how she had gotten him out of there. "And My Lord General, though you did not realize it, several times I had to intervene on your behalf to protect you."

He looked at her gravely. This was news. "I didn't know. Thank you, Anna." He met her gaze. "When were you going to tell me?"

"It wasn't necessary. They were after me not you." She stopped and decided to tell him the rest. "Jack, the night I sequestered you, after the museum incident," she took a deep breath. "That night I had to do it. More was happening than I could tell you then. Believe me when I tell you it was for your own good."

"Oh, you mean the night you threw me in the pokey, er jail?" Jack was still pissed. "Ah. And you want me to believe it was for my own good?" He looked at her in disbelief. She just gave him a look that said don't push it. "Okay." He waved his hand. "Next time, just tell me."

"I had to contain you. You would not behave. You could have gotten us both killed. But, I turned it around on the conspirators. I set the mob against them. And then I called the President to settle you down."

Anna sighed. He could be such an unpredictable jerk. But he was her jerk, or almost. He tapped on the table in irritation. Anna sighed, wondering why she let him have this intimacy with her. The truth was he was a welcome diversion from sycophantic courtiers and other suck ups. She liked Jack's phrase, 'suck up.' Casting a curious look at him she shrugged. Then she removed her earrings. Two were small unobtrusive little metal studs. Two were the same red jewels as the hair clasp. But she began to fuss with something in her hair towards the center back of her mane.

"Ah, there it is." She removed a long filament. And then went fishing again back there. Out came another filament, which was twisted. A third attempt brought out a clasp. Jack was intrigued. "Jack, you need to stand back." He didn't move. "No, really, over there." She pointed across the room. He got up and moved away. "Let's see if I remember which way to point this."

That did not sound good. He moved away again.

"Jack you absolutely cannot reveal what I am about to show you. Really, this is cutting edge." He nodded.

"What does it do?" Jack couldn't imagine what all this was for unless it was a garrote. "Going to cut someone's head off?"

"Hmmm, never thought about that one. I don't think I have the strength. But watch." Anna fit the pieces together and looked up at him with a smile. Then she clicked something into place. The effect was immediate. A hand weapon formed with a handle, a barrel, and an energy source. It was pointing at Jack. "Oops, wrong direction."

He reached out for it. She slapped his hand away.

"Don't touch. It's heat sensitive. It doesn't have a trigger so if you handle it, you have to want to use it." He frowned with concern. "We haven't worked out the part of the trigger. If you hold it for a few seconds it will discharge. That whole wall will go, up to 50 ft thick."

"Sweet. Could have used one of those a few times." Jack watched her disassemble it. He was afraid to touch the pieces. "Safe now?" She chuckled and nodded. He used the pencil to lift it away with a grimace. "How much more of this are you wearing?"

"Why? I thought you wanted to see all of it? Getting bored?" She quirked a grin.

"No, just getting hungry. Shall I send out for something?" Jack went to the door to call an SF. She nodded. "Chocolate?" That brought a broad smile. "Right." He gave the instructions and turned back to her. This was definitely different. And she is cooperating. I wonder what she isn't showing me.


Across the Galaxy, Ba'al turned to face his visitor. It was bad enough he was chased off Earth. But now Earth had the means to prevent his re-emergence as the Supreme System Lord. "You are sure this was not some kind of trick?" He addressed the spy O'Neill sent back to him. O'Neill, the name made him sick. He should have disposed of the human when he had the chance. Well, one day he would. All in good time.

The spy bowed and confirmed again what he witnessed on the Jericho. "My Lord, I still do not believe that O'Neill was really in command. However, the others did defer to him. So I conclude that he is involved deeply. My covert sensors indicated no naquadah was used. Do you wish me to continue my efforts to discover this new weapon?"

"No, you have been most useful. Go back to your masters and tell them they have my thanks. I shall handle this in my own way. Assure them, I intend to restore the balance." Ba'al waved the man off. He turned to consider this new information. These new Hak'taur were indeed troublesome. Apophis had been such an incompetent fool.


Princess Ellen was nobody's fool. Politics and intrigue continued to put pressure on the Royal Family to deal with the succession. At the Palace on Lady Anna's homeworld, her Matriarch, Princess Ellen, motioned her visitor to sit down by the fire. It had been at least a decade since Duchess Leah of the Bright Water Clan came to call. Under Leah's management, the Bright Water Clan had become even more important. Their interests now overlapped with the Royal Clan. Princess Ellen faced the problem of issues they shared concerning the succession. But she knew, the Bright Water Clan had big ambitions. They wanted to ascend to the monarchy. Their lineage was ancient. But, as of now, they had only minor connections through marriage. And they would not consider Lady Anna as a suitable match. That made life more dangerous. Because the only way to accomplish their purpose was to eliminate Lady Anna.

Protecting Lady Anna was the greatest challenge to Princess Ellen in her whole long life. Ellen sighed to herself. Since Lady Anna's husband and children died on Asher, the planet torched by Apophis, she was the most eligible catch in the whole Commonwealth. But, her activities building the military and defending their people made her socially and religiously unacceptable for a great marriage. Well, make that any marriage. No decent family would have her. And nothing Ellen had been able to offer, no string she had pulled, and no threat she had made would change that fact. As long as Anna lived she could marry and have children. Preventing such a marriage made other avenues to the Throne open up. Lady Anna was the stumbling block to the throne. For that reason alone, many clans wanted Anna dead. The war just precipitated their actions. Ellen set her visage to inscrutable and began the unwelcome visit.


Plots and intrigues aside, Jack figured he had Lady Anna just where he wanted her. He was wrong, but he didn't know it. Jack wiped the last of the cake from his mouth.

Strange how life turned out. I'm just a guy from Minnesota. But I'm sitting with an incredibly dangerous and powerful alien. She just showed me the incredible arsenal she was carrying. Still and all, she would never hurt ME with any of it. Why is that? We have only one thing in common, defeating the Goa'uld. But here we are, in a little room, 28 floors underground in a military base eating cake and enjoying the company. Why do I enjoy her company? She's impossible. Despite everything, we are comfortable with each other after three months of bizarre events. Strange.

"So, what did you decide, My Lord General? Am I worthy of your protection?" Anna said it half jokingly. She watched him deciding.

"I suppose so." Jack said cautiously. "But I'm in charge, ma'am. I can't do my job if you interfere." He sipped some coffee. "I don't know what you are really after. But," he looked at her intently. "I am telling you now, I'll..."

"Don't say it, Jack. I know." Anna paused. "Jack haven't you wondered why I have let you come so close? You could have killed me at anytime these last few months." She gave him a knowing look. He looked blank. Anna rose and walked over to him. She hesitated, but leaned over. Then she kissed his cheek, used one hand to turn his head gently, and kissed the other. "Bless you General Jack O'Neill."

Jack managed a weak smile.

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A/N: Fanfiction does strange things to links. So convert.

Sources: pbsdotorg/wgbh/nova/einstein/expertsdothtml Conrad explanation. and answersdotcom/percentDmc2

Disclaimer "Stargate SG-1" and its characters are the property of MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, Gekko Film Corp., Showtime/Viacom and USA Networks, Inc. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations and story are the property of the author(s), and may not be republished or archived elsewhere without the author's permission.